Bills’ Araiza investigation was a failure

A “thorough examination” by the Bills into gang rape allegations against punter Matt Araiza failed because coach Sean McDermott only learned more of the important details after a civil lawsuit was filed against the rookie.

Now, the Bills are under fire for sticking with a player facing serious accusations.

The criticism is deserved. Thanks to a dynamic offense led by Josh Allen and a stout defense, the Bills enter the season as favorites to win the Super Bowl, per oddsmakers. They don’t need a sixth-round pick — even a “Punt God” — to be the difference-maker in January and February.

Fresh off suspending Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson 11 games for sexual misconduct, the NFL is concerned about public perception and Commissioner Roger Goodell has made it clear the league will not tolerate any violence against women.

But the NFL has limitations in this case because the incident occurred while Araiza was in college so he can’t be punished under the personal conduct policy. The league always lets the legal process play out first.

“The facts of the incident are not what they are portrayed in the lawsuit or in the press,” Araiza said in a statement released through his agent, Joe Linta. “I look forward to quickly setting the record straight.”

A San Diego police investigation has been turned over to the district attorney’s office to determine whether to pursue charges. DA spokeswoman Tanya Sierra said Friday there was no timeline as to how long a decision will take.

Still, the NFL could — and should — try to influence Buffalo’s decision in order to “protect the shield.”

Araiza, who led San Diego State to a record-setting season and two of his former Aztecs teammates, were accused of gang-raping a 17-year-old girl at an off-campus party last fall. The attorney for the California teenager told The Associated Press on Friday the Bills didn’t contact him for details.

Clearly, the team’s investigation wasn’t complete.

“We have work to do,” McDermott said Friday night.

McDermott said he gained new information after the lawsuit came out.

“Again, it’s not a situation we take lightly,” he added. “I’m hurt, I understand (players on the team) are hurt. And it’s emotional. It’s not easy to hear about some of the things that I’ve heard about over the last several hours say.”

The Bills didn’t do their homework before the draft, either.

A person familiar with the situation told the AP the Bills weren’t aware of the allegations against Araiza before the draft in April.

Several other teams executives also have told the AP they weren’t aware. But executives from two different teams told the AP they became aware of Araiza’s involvement in an incident during the draft process. Neither person knew the extent of the allegations and both people said it didn’t impact Araiza’s status on their draft boards because they weren’t interested in selecting the punter.

All the people spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the matter.

NFL teams typically do extensive research on players before the draft, especially players they plan to select in the early rounds. It’s not uncommon for anyone with a potential red flag to slide in the draft.

Some clubs, of course, do a better job scouting players and uncovering character questions. The Bills fell way short in their assessment of Araiza, who was chosen with the 180th overall pick.

Araiza is innocent until proven guilty, but it’s not too late to correct a mistake.